VIRGINIA BEACH, April 20 – Ralph Howard Whitaker, 88, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2010 in a local hospital.

A native of Arthur, TN, he was the son of the late Curtis and Nell Whitaker. He retired from the City of Virginia Beach as Superintendent of Mosquito Control. Following retirement he and his wife lived in Farmville making many good friends there. He was a US Army veteran of WWII and a member of the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Christine Whitaker, two daughters, Sandra Richards and husband, Rickie and Brenda Mallery and husband, Jack; granddaughter, Coretta “Corrie” Mallery; three special brothers-in-law, Carl Johnson and partner, Carl Mathis, Charles Johnson and wife, Sharon, and David Johnson and wife, Martha. He was predeceased by his brother, Carl Whitaker.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at Virginia Beach Christian Church with the Rev. Jason Lewis officiating.

Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home Great Neck Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com